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Your Questions

We know that well maintained roads and pavements are a top priority for Bath & North East Somerset residents. As a council we are focused on delivering a high standard of customer service and welcome both positive and negative comments on our service which enable us to meet your expectations now and in the future.

However, if you do wish to make a complaint about our service please complete the complaints form; but before you do please read some of our most frequently asked questions about roads and pavements to see if we answer your query.

Why don’t you stop potholes forming in the first place?

In cold, wet conditions potholes can grow very quickly especially where there is heavy traffic and adverse periods of wet and/or wintry weather. We routinely carry out inspections on our roads but we are very glad to hear from you when you see a pothole. We investigate all reports of potholes. Prioritisation is given to how much of a danger the pothole is to road and pavement users. The size of the pothole and the classification of the road has a bearing on time scales for repair.

Why do I never see anyone working at roadworks?

There may be times the highway operatives and engineers are not on site. This will be due to a number of factors, but most commonly this is because concrete or other materials need to dry out and settle before other work can take place or the road can be opened. We aim to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Why are roads dug up all the time?

As far as possible we coordinate works to minimise disruption, including works associated with water, electricity, gas and telephone companies. The amount of traffic on modern roads puts a lot of pressure on buried utilities. We aim to give start and end dates but these can be subject to change due to bad weather or emergencies elsewhere. Although we plan in advance there is always the event of emergency works which is unplanned and there is not enough time to issue notification.

I keep getting caught in roadworks. How do I find out where they are taking place?

We understand how busy everyone is these days. With a lot more vehicles on the road and a growing population it means more road works, essential maintenance and improvement schemes are a necessary part of managing the highway network. Details of current works can be found at https://bathnes.roadworks.org/. This is a ‘mobile phone friendly’ site so you can check when you are out and about.

Why don’t you cut vegetation that hangs over roads and pavements?

Trees and vegetation that grow from private property and affect roads or pavements are the responsibility of the landowner or occupier to maintain. We work closely with landowners especially where there might be safety concerns and we encourage property owners to trim vegetation. Firstly we send a letter saying that it is necessary to make the vegetation safe but sometimes we have to issue legal notices to the owner requiring them to carry out the work to make them safe. If they don’t deal with the obstruction the council may need to do the work and claim the cost back from them. The process can take several weeks but is a legal requirement if we are to seek recovery of costs incurred.

Why do gullies/storm drains get blocked, especially in autumn?

Bath & North East Somerset Council have a programme of gully cleaning ensuring that each gully is cleaned; once a year in rural and urban areas and twice a year on high speed dual carriageways. However, gullies can become blocked very quickly with mud after heavy rain or with a heavy fall of leaves leading to a temporary blockage with a local pooling of water. As this is unpredictable please contact us and we can assess the need for reactive cleaning.

Why don’t you grit my road in the winter?

The Council’s winter maintenance runs from November to March (being extended at either end if required). In line with national practice and in order to keep the Bath & North East Somerset area moving during this period we carry out gritting on roads designated as priority routes, this includes A and B-class roads and other strategic routes. In prolonged periods of ice and snow key pedestrian routes are cleared.

We also provide and maintain over 400 grit bins at key locations off of the priority gritting routes; often at well used sites with steep gradient or at road junctions. Residents can use grit from grit bins for use on roads and pavements.

In some areas we have snow wardens, local residents who volunteer to help clear snow and ice from footways and pathways in their area. We are happy to consider additional grit bins and any interest in becoming a snow warden.

Any urgent gritting queries should be reported immediately to Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41. Non urgent queries can be emailed to CouncilConnect@Bathnes.gov.uk. It is not possible for the council to treat all roads/footways that become affected by snow and ice.

To find out more about the snow warden scheme contact highways@bathnes.gov.uk or call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41.

What are the new street lights I’m seeing around Bath & North East Somerset?

We have steadily been replacing the old street lights with new, energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. These reduce energy consumption by up to 60% while still providing the same level of light. The light from an LED lamp is more directional than existing street lights. We can control where the light falls, directing it onto footways and carriageways where it is most needed. However, if you feel the light is shining into your property you can request a shield on the lamp. You can contact Council Connect to do this.

We’d love to hear if you’ve received a great service from us. But we’d also like to know if we could make improvements and appreciate any feedback on your experience with Bath & North East Somerset Council. You can share your opinions by completing the suggestion/compliment form.